Juniors, which teachers know you best? These teachers are the ones you’ll want to ask to write your college recommendations. Before you finish up this semester, take the time to ask, in person, if they are willing to write on your behalf.

Here’s how to request the best recommendations letters possible:

Ask now. Many teachers receive more requests than they can fulfill, so by requesting in advance, you’ll be able to confirm they are able put you on their list.

Most colleges require a minimum of two letters of recommendation from your teachers and one from your guidance counselor. Many require your letters be written by instructors you had in junior or senior year. If possible, ask primary subject teachers. Also, remember, a recommendation will be more valuable if written by a teacher who likes you and knows what kind of learner you are.

If you’ve been involved in special programs such as science research or athletics, you may want to ask those program directors to write letters as well. These letters help admissions reps get a better understanding of who you are and what you’re likely to contribute to their classrooms and campus community.

Help your recommenders to write the most effective letters on your behalf. Give them an outline of the highlights of your time spent in their classroom, your favorite assignments and samples of your work. Also, let them know what you enjoy(ed) most about their class. Share any experiences outside the classroom that are relevant to their subject matter. You can also show them your resume. Help them write a letter that ties together all your related experiences.

When you get back to school in the fall, confirm with your writers. Once you know where you’re applying, give each recommender a list of your schools and the application deadlines. Your recommenders will most likely submit their letters electronically. If not, provide each writer with a recommendation form for each college along with a stamped, addressed envelope.

Make a list of the schools you are applying to and keep track of your recommendations. Jot down the date you give your teachers the forms and check online or with the colleges as the process progresses to confirm receipt.

JUNIORS, by now you’re into college search mode. Are you taking advantage of these resources?

COLLEGE FAIRS: College fairs are a great way to start your search. You’ll have the chance to get exposed to a large number of colleges and universities all in one place and meet admissions reps from a long list of schools.

COLLEGE GUIDES: College guides offer an easy way to review and compare basic facts such as GPA, SAT and ACT ranges, course requirements, tuition, study body demographics and feedback from students.

ONLINE PLATFORMS: Online search platforms such as NAVIANCE, SCOIR and MaiaLearning are accessible to students in subscribing high schools. These tools present admissions outcomes for graduates from the same high school, allowing current students the opportunity to compare their credentials (GPA and test scores) with those of previous applicants.

Although each of these resources are helpful, students should not rely exclusively on only one. Using a combination of the above will lead to a thorough search and an appropriate balanced list of schools to which to apply.

For seniors who have not yet completed their application process or are not happy with their outcome, the National Association of College Admission Counseling’s College Openings Update provides a list of over 400 US colleges and universities with openings, financial aid and housing available to qualified freshman and/or transfer students for the Fall 2019 semester.

Kwame Anthony Appiah wrote a thoughtful piece in the May 5th New York Times Magazine, titled “Almost All the Colleges I Wanted to Go to Rejected Me. Now What?“. As you move forward, and seek out new options, be inspired by his words: “Take up that question of questions. Think about what you can do with the opportunities you have … If you do the work, make friends and enjoy reasonable luck there, you’ll come away from the college enriched and ready for the next phase of your life. So seize the day.”

Make use of the Update to search for schools through the use of various filters including state and country. Both public and private colleges and universities are included on the list. The list is an excellent resource and will continue to be revised as colleges and universities finalize their admissions numbers for 2019/20.

To minimize your stress tomorrow morning, it’s a great idea to get organized ahead of time. The last thing you need on test morning is a desperate scramble. These are some of the things you can do tonight to get your big day off to a great start:

First, check with your parents to make sure they know when and where you’re scheduled to take the test, and arrange how you’ll get to the test center. Next, gather and pack all the things you’ll need to take with you. Some of the things on this check list are “must-have” items, while others are optional.

REQUIRED: Don’t forget any of the following items or it will be a long ride home!

An approved calculator

Sharpened #2 pencils

An acceptable form of photo ID

Your admission or standby ticket

SUGGESTED: These are things you may want to bring along.

Water

Snack

Sweater

Back-up calculator

Extra batteries for your calculator

Watch (to keep track of time)

Set your alarm, get a good night’s sleep and have a healthy, satisfying breakfast.

Bound to Organize

The college process can be filled with chaos, but it becomes simpler when you are Bound to Organize. Keep on track with tips and hints from two women who have learned the ropes and lived to tell about it.Read more.